Quote:
Originally Posted by Dorchester2
Sorry buddies if I ask once more but I've seen some of us ended with a poached eye doing the swap!
Hence I'm not willing to end with a silly mess...
Going all over the threads here taught me that it wasn't so straightforward to take off the auto gear shifter.
1. But if the trick to take off the button is - putting the lever on gear 1 or 2 to get some more room - kindly lifting it with a flat screwdriver and hey presto the knob is going away, then putting on in place the full walnut BMW 3 series E46 one I've just bought from the flea bay and putting back in place the 75 button, why bothering with the shifter? Is anybody tried & succeeded swapping them without taking off the shifter?
2. Same question with the handbrake handle: is it possible to swap only the handles or is it necessary to take off the whole gaiter piece outside of its place?
And then how exactly to put apart the handle from the gaiter?
How is it tied?
I've carefully read the How To but I'm still missing that step so far...
Thanks a lot. 
BTW here is the knob (sorry for the pic size, it's not mine):
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1. I havent done this as you described but have considered it possible. However whilst I cannot remember exactly, I do think there could be an issue with the gaiter remaining close to the knob. If you move the lever into first, climb into the back, and grasp the shifter. Locking your arms straight out, bending over, then using your feet as pivots, pull preparing yourself to fall backwards into the rear seat, and the knob and shaft should come out. Use your body to pull rather than your arms/elbows.
2 yes you have to take the lever out as there is a ridge on the end of the handle for the band that holds the gaiter onto it. But he handbrake gaiter just clips off the console, and then slides off the handbrake handle in one piece. Turn the gaiter inside out, and you will see easily how it goes together. My handbrake handle was not stuck to the handbrake, but gently twisting it will loosen and release it.